NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Rich Goldman Holdings
POWER SCORE: 764
POSITION LAST YEAR: 22
CLAIMS TO FAME
- Oversaw Guangdong Group’s growth to become one of Macau’s “big three” junkets
- The only non-Chinese member of the Rich Goldman board
THE PUBLIC FACE of Rich Goldman Holdings – formerly known as Neptune Group – Nick Niglio’s long career has seen him fill an incredibly diverse selection of roles including almost a decade under the watch of former US President and former gaming tycoon Donald Trump.
Starting in 1993, he served as Executive Vice President of Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort Inc, Senior Vice President of Casino Marketing of Trump Atlantic City Associates and Senior Executive in Casino Marketing and International Operation at Atlantic City NJ (Trump).
Yet surely his greatest achievement is managing to crack the “mysterious” world of Asian junkets, officially heading up Guangdong Group’s listed arm since day one.
Despite those impressive credentials, there is no doubt these past two years have been his most challenging given the immense pressure that the COVID-19 pandemic, and a crackdown by mainland China on cross-border gambling, is placing on junkets.
Rich Goldman also saw its last remaining Macau junket partnership come to an end last year, although it is linked to another in the Philippines.
As for Guangdong Group, analysts estimate Macau’s VIP industry will barely reach 20% of 2019 levels in 2021 and not much more than 40% in 2022. Time will tell what the long-term future holds, but if anyone can make the most of what opportunities might arise it’s someone with the experience of Niglio.
For the full list of 2021 Asian Gaming Power 50 winners, click here.
